Introduction
Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra is a cultural institution in Guwahati, Assam, India. It is named after the medieval poet-playwright and reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. The Kalakshetra includes a museum, library, a children's park, and various facilities for preserving, demonstrating and performing cultural items and history. In addition to being Northeast India's largest cultural congregation, the Kalakshetra is also a major tourist spot in Guwahati. Built in the 1990s, art of Assam and rest of the north-eastern region is displayed here.
What to See and Do
The Kalakshetra houses number of structures and buildings abiding with the ethnic Assamese designs. A replica of the Rang Ghar (an Ahom Amphitheatre in Sivasagar district of Assam), is positioned in the entrance corridor to the main Central Museum. The Central Museum preserves some of the traditional articles, or artifacts of Assamese culture. The open-air theatre, with a view of the mountainous range of the Khasi Hills, is a venue for a variety of cultural events and an audience of 2000 can see the shows from the gallery seats. What can be termed as the major attraction in the Kalakshetra is an Artistic Village.
How to Get There
The Kalakshetra is located in the Panjabari area of Guwahati, about 11 kilometers from the Guwahati Railway Station. The nearest bus stop is the Panjabari Bus Stop, which is about a kilometer from the Kalakshetra.
Tips for Visitors
- The Kalakshetra is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Mondays.
- The entry fee for the Kalakshetra is Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 20 for children.
- Photography is allowed inside the Kalakshetra, but there is a fee of Rs. 25 for still photography and Rs. 100 for video photography.
- There is a cafeteria inside the Kalakshetra, which serves snacks and meals.
- There is a souvenir shop inside the Kalakshetra, where you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts.
Conclusion
Shrimanta Shankardeva Kalakshetra is a great place to learn about the culture and history of Assam. The Kalakshetra is a must-visit for anyone interested in the arts, culture, and history of Assam.